Katie SwiftPHOTOGRAPHER

Michael | Senior Class of 2026 | Ross Township High

Michael is my nephew—Bobby’s boy. He’s a senior at Ross Township High School and just wrapped up his final football season with the Ross Rams. My older brother Tyler and his wife Cindy have raised Michael as their own since he was ten years old, and the love, stability, and grit they’ve poured into him shows in every part of who he’s becoming.

If you know his story, then you know that Michael has faced battles most people never see. He’s walked through fire—literally and figuratively—and yet he stands here today with strength and resilience. Nothing about his life has been simple, but everything about him is extraordinary.

Michael—whose name is a question:
Who is like God?

Michael—whose name is a challenge, a dare to answer:
No one. No one is like God.

Michael—who carries the name of the fierce archangel, the protector, the warrior, the one who steps forward when the world grows dark. And in many ways, that’s who he is too. Quietly strong. Fiercely loyal. Built for battles he never asked for but faced anyway.

There’s something sacred about watching a kid like him step into his senior year— into adulthood, into the promise of what’s ahead. These photos aren’t just senior pictures. They’re proof. Proof of survival, of love, of courage, of the kind of strength that forms when a child endures the unthinkable. God’s hand on a life that could’ve gone a hundred different ways.

Michael Lee, we’re so proud of you—every single one of us.

Especially your father, your first protector, who walks with you still. He’s in every step you take, in every bit of courage you carry.

Your future is wide open, and you’re ready for it.

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Patton Family | E. Milo Beck Park | Springboro, OH

Some sessions just feel like a big warm hug—and this was one of them. Gerrard is an old friend, and getting to photograph his beautiful family after they recently moved back to Ohio was such a treat. His wife, Dania, and their four kids are all from Florida, and it was so sweet to see them experience a real Midwest fall for the very first time.

The kids couldn’t get over the color of the leaves, the crisp air, and even the sight of pine sap! Their wonder reminded me how easy it is to take these simple seasonal joys for granted. Seeing it all through their eyes brought so much warmth and laughter to the session.

Gerrard and Dania are both pastors and church planters, and I’m so inspired by the way they lead their family with faith and joy. I can’t wait to visit their next church once it’s up and running—it’s amazing to see the ways they pour into their community.

Patton crew, thank you for sharing an afternoon of laughter, leaf piles, and pure joy with me. Welcome home to Ohio—we’re blessed to have you.

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Lilly Senior Class of 2026 | Oakwood High School

Lilly is a senior at Oakwood High School with her sights set high—literally! She dreams of becoming a pilot after graduation. We kicked things off at Houk Stream Park, tucked right in her hometown, before heading to Moraine Airpark where she felt completely in her element among the planes and open skies.

At first, Lilly was a little nervous in front of the camera, but after a few deep breaths and some easy laughs, she completely settled in. By the end of the session, she was striking poses like a total natural—radiating confidence, joy and that unmistakable spark of someone chasing their dreams.

Lilly, may your senior year soar just like you—full of adventure, courage, and endless blue horizons ahead.

One word to describe me is funny.

My favorite quality about myself is the fact that I’m hilarious!

My least favorite quality is my laziness.

I am involved in Scouting America, Theater, Marching Band, HOPE Squad and I’m pursuing my private pilot’s license.

I listen to Pop and Indie music.

I love hanging out with my friends and learning about people—whether I just met them or have known them for years.

I love hiking, nature and the many different forms it can take. I love the little moments like walking home from school or homemade bread. And I love humanity’s insistence that things can get better, even when things are bad.

I look up to a lot of people. I look up to my mom for her organization and determination, to my dad for his leadership skills, to my band director Mr. Ulenhake for his dedication. I look up to my incredible friends—they have shown me what true friendship looks like, and I try my best to simply keep up.

 I’ve learned that saying goodbye to friends is harder than it looks.

 I’ve also learned that you can’t sell books to Half Price Books until you turn 18!

After graduation I plan to finish my Aviation Technology associate degree, go to a four-year university, and eventually become a bush pilot.

Ten years from now I see myself living out west in the mountains—flying planes and improving my community.

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Brown Family | Triple B Farm | Troy, Ohio

Life on the Browns’ Family Triple B Farm moves at its own steady pace. The sky hung gray and soft the day of our session — the kind of overcast light that deepens every color and makes the greens feel richer, the moments quieter.

Between the four kids, the flower gardens, the mix of cows, chickens, bunnies, dogs, and photobombing cats, there was no shortage of life around us.

Adam & Lisa have that sort of down to earth vibe about them — a sense of groundedness and gratitude for the life they have built together. As the day wound down, they sat side by side on the porch swing, laughing together as they looked out over their land. No big finish, no perfect sunset — just the simple contentment of another day well lived. A family at home in their world…

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Posted in At Home, Family Photography

Bowers Family at Home | Springboro, Ohio

I first photographed the Bowers family five years ago as part of their parents’ vow renewal session, and my, how they’ve grown since then! Here they are, in front of their family’s 100-acre wood tree:

This was my fourth year capturing them at their home, and every time I’m invited back, it feels like catching up with old friends. Watching their family grow and change over the years has been such a gift, and documenting those milestones in the place they love most makes it even more special.

This year, we chose to begin in front of their newest piece of artwork— colorful, hip, and one -of-a-kind- just like them!

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Posted in At Home, Family Photography

Happy Birthdays Nana Savannah!

Because when your mom and your daughter hit monumental birthdays just a week apart- Sexy Seventy and Sweet Sixteen, you throw a party. Well actually, your mom throws the party, because that’s what mom does best. But you show up with flowers (that match the color scheme, of course) and pretty cakes and a camera too! And then you do what you do best- take lots of pictures!

Because these two? They’re the most beautiful girls you know.

Nana, Savannah, Happy Birthdays to you!!!

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Posted in Birthdays, Happy Holidays, Personal

Lohmeyer Family | At Home | Miamisburg, Ohio

Meet the Lohmeyers- Jaron, Brittany, Peyton and Maverick.

Jaron and Brittany are in the middle of a big transition. Jaron is starting his medical residency—an exciting next step, but one that means saying goodbye to the home where they built their life together. Not just the place they lived, but the place they grew—into parents, into a rhythm, into a family.

It’s where babies were rocked to sleep, where chalk drawings covered the driveway, tiny ballet moves were practiced in front of the mirror, and bubbles were blown across the backyard on slow afternoons. The kind of everyday magic that doesn’t always make it into photo frames—but should.

So when Jaron reached out to schedule a family session, it wasn’t just about grabbing some nice pictures of all of them looking at the camera and smiling. It was a gift of memories, a surprise for his wife, Brittany, a way to hold onto the walls, corners, and cozy chaos that have shaped the most meaningful years of their life so far.

Some sessions are about smiles. This one was about home—and the love that filled it.

Lohmeyers, I’m cheering you on as you head into this next season! Wishing you joy, rest when you can find it, and the kind of love that keeps showing up no matter where you land…

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Albrecht Extended Family | Smith Gardens | Oakwood, Ohio

Photographing the Albrecht family was an absolute joy! We planned a morning session—because let’s be honest, no one’s getting much sleep with a little one at home anyways 🙂 It ended up being the perfect choice! Smith Gardens in Oakwood was glowing, and so was this blessed bunch.

The undeniable star of the morning was sweet Lucien. His name means light, and truly, he brought it. He lit up every frame with his bright eyes and joyful little spirit, it’s obvious that this little guy is so very loved!

What made this session even more meaningful was that Svetlana—an incredibly talented photographer herself—trusted me to photograph her family. That kind of trust is the highest compliment. If you haven’t seen her work yet, go check it out at svetlanaphotography.com!

From the winding green grass paths to the cheerful pops of purple allium, it all came together so naturally. Thank you, Albrecht family, for letting me be a part of this sweet chapter in your story.

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Posted in extended families, Family Photography, For Photographers

Luke | West Carrollton Senior ’25 | 2nd St. Market | Dayton

Luke is a senior at West Carrollton who plans to pursue music after graduation. He is Logan’s younger brother, whom I photographed a few years back at Riverscape. The brothers play in a metal band together called Jesus of Hamartia.

We shot his session in front of graffiti walls and The Silos around 2nd Street Market in downtown Dayton. The trains came, and the rains were tamed!

I loved photographing Luke, not only because he’s gorgeous (um, hello Kurt Cobain?!), but also because he has that artist intensity- he looks right at you, daring you to look right back at him, unafraid to be seen…

One word to describe me is driven.

My favorite thing about the world is that it’s one big puzzle that you try your best to figure out.

I play a lot of guitar and video games.

I listen to a lot of metal music.

I look up to family and some guys from my favorite bands.

I always try and see things from all perspectives.

Most people don’t know I have absolutely awful eyesight.

I’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff, even when it doesn’t feel small.

But I’m too nice sometimes.

After graduation, I plan to go to college and pursue music.

In ten years, I see myself hopefully doing something with music.

Shout out to Mama and big bro for hanging in the rain!!!

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Wakelight | Vagabond Studio & Gallery | Dayton, OH

On Sunday, we played our first true ‘listening room’ at Dayton’s beloved Vagabond Studio & Gallery.

It was a cold and dreary day in March after a week of blessed sunshine and spring weather.

A winter’s last-ditch effort kind of day to keep us all in pajamas & binging on PBS Masterpiece forever.

So I was not surprised when, one by one, faithful friends started texting me that they wouldn’t be able to make it out after all.

Still, a few showed, and we had ourselves an intimate concert.

It took me a song or two to get used to the quiet—my nerves wanted to fill the empty spaces—but once I adjusted, it felt pretty sacred.

Just a small group of us cozily gathered there in Jen and Jonah’s creative gallery, soaking up the room draped in original art, funky furniture, and colorful twinkle lights.

Old and new friends, sitting close, listening with smiles, nodding their heads to the music.

Our Jonah perched in the window seat above, watching his dad sing the song written for him.

Sweet Savannah on the couch next to her grandparents, taking pictures of her mom’s silly singing faces.

Warming each other in ways only we Northerners know how…

Big thanks to the Hunter crew for everything big and small- from the band poster to the pizza, salad and hot tea- you made us feel special 🙂

Thanks to Monika and Chris for running the sound and Brandon for shooting video!

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Posted in Personal, Wakelight

Bird Angel

This morning, while walking the dog, I hear the hawk screech overhead

she cries out like a mother

circling in the silky sad sky, ’round and ’round,

the sun brightening her wings as she angles and glides in the wind

she’s following us- I swear she is!

us trekking up the cul-de-sac hill and back down again

the dog stopping to sniff

me straining to see

Mother spinning above

Mother spinning below

I know birds aren’t angels

but I get the message

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Posted in Musings, Personal, writing

Jay | SESI Senior Class of 2025 | Maryville, TN

Jay is a senior at Samuel Everett School of Innovation and plans to work in cybersecurity after graduation. He’s also my favorite red-headed nephew 🙂 We shot his senior pictures in downtown Maryville and then chased the sunset through the mountains, my sister-in-law Lindsay at the wheel, driving fast and fearlessly as only a Tennessee local could.

Jay, I hope you have a memorable senior year filled with electrifying guitar licks, magnificent mountain drives, and backyard bonfires with your buddies…

One word to describe me is motivated.

I love jamming out on my guitar, hanging with my buddies, and working out.

I play tennis for SESI. I’m also a guitar player for a new band I’m starting with my buddies.

Most people don’t know that I’m self taught on the guitar and piano, and I also taught myself how to make beats.

One of my favorite things in the world is music. Music makes me feel more alive, and it can be used in many ways. Jamming out with my buddies is a perfect example.

I mainly listen to rock but also a little bit of rap and hip-hop.

Spending time with loved ones is always important, and it’s one of my favorites.

Can’t forget cruising around with my buddies in the mountains.

I’ve learned the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of life, even during challenging times.

I look up to the people in my life who work hard & succeed but don’t put work and money first. Those who motivate others to do the right thing and steer people in the right direction.

I like how mature I am for my age and the way I think about things differently from others.

I don’t like that I have problems with self-control and find myself getting stressed easily.

After graduation, I plan to get a long-term and well-paying job in cybersecurity and save up to buy a house or apartment.

I also hope to be in a band that I can do gigs with.

In ten years, I see myself in a successful career. I can see myself having a wife and kids and still pursuing music.

Shout out to Mama for raising such a fine young man 🙂

See Jay’s Pick:

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Heather + Jerry | Fall Wedding | Heather’s Cafe | Springboro

It was a perfect fall day for Heather & Jerry to get married in front of their closest family and friends. The sky, shaded deep Autumn blue, the trees with fiery leaves still hanging on, and the rich golden sun, gleamed and glittered above and around us. It was one of those rare, deeply satisfying afternoons. In the middle of a fast and fleeting season, time slowed, hearts opened and love, thick as molasses, poured out on all of us until we were full. Of course, we did save room for a glass of champagne or two and the most glorious charcuterie!

Congratuations Heather & Jerry! May your life together continue to overflow with loads of laughter, gardens of light and celebrations of love.

One word to describe our love is eternal.

We’re both in our 50’s and it’s really hard to think of any kind of obstacle when I truly have my best friend by my side. We just know each other like no one I have been with EVER!!

I first met Heather at her establishment. I have been a friend of her daughter and ex-husband and was at her place with them when we met.

We would see each other occasionally or if he would come into the cafe after work. Then as funny as it is, I helped plan his previous wedding. His wedding & reception was at Heather’s. Obviously we were both in other relationships at the time.

Our first time talking in person (not in relationships) was at a friend’s mutual birthday party (at Heather’s Cafe – of course). Although we didn’t run in the same circles, we would run into each other occasionally through mutual friends.

 I had actually reached out to him via messenger just to say “hi” before that. We talked for hours at the party. Then he asked me out & the rest is history.

My first impression of Heather was WOW, she moves around her business a ton!!! It was like one minute she was there and the next gone!!! I found her energy level very impressive and her smile…that smile was just something I couldn’t get enough of!!!

She was super nice and just so easy to talk to.

I loved his laugh & how he looked at me… literally into my soul.

 In my opinion there is no one, and I mean no one, that has the kind soul she has. I always tell people if you know her, like, truly know her, you know how fortunate you are. If you don’t truly know her, man you’re missing out on one special person.

She has sooo many qualities to list: her heart, her passion, her drive, her work ethic, her compassion and her willingness to do anything for anyone with nothing wanted in return. She is crazy beautiful and I’m one lucky guy!!

He loves me for all my flaws & my strengths: my insane work ethic, my need to help others before myself, which in turn, is him as well. He embraces my independence.

I admire his ability to not sweat the small stuff, his confidence, his unwavering love for me, and his complete unapologetic honesty!!

She just has this unique ability to communicate with annoying people in a way also that leaves people thinking how nice she is even when she isn’t being nice!! She still laughs, like really laughs, when I’m being funny.

Almost 4.5 years of being together and when she talks I still can’t wait to hear what she says.

He still makes me belly laugh after all these years.

Our relationship is balanced. Our communication, and more importantly, our understanding of each other, is a big strength of ours. Heather works crazy long hours during the spring and summer and is not home very much except to sleep and shower.

We never have jealousy or argue about our lack of time together because we both understand it’s her business and in this day of age as far as staffing goes she can’t always just leave.

When we “got together” I had been separated for a year from a nine year relationship that literally tore my heart in half. He had been in a five year relationship- three of those married.

We both had to learn how to love again, to trust, to be good at letting someone else in. 

Props to all the amazing vendors who made this day exceptional:

Ceremony Venue: Heather’s Parent’s
Reception Venue: Heather’s Cafe
Food: Charcuterie from Gather & Graze, Pizzas from The Barrel, Wings from Crooked Handle,  The Hamburger Wagon
Ceremony Music: David Thornton Acoustic

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Welcome Baby Brianne | Newborn Photography at Home | Springboro, OH

The Palmer family is all sorts of adorable! Mom and Dad are both engineers and 2 out of 3 of their kiddos seem to be on the fast track to becoming photographers 🙂 Their sweet newborn, baby Brianne, was as pleasant as a playful bunny rabbit, peeking at us from time to time, taking in her bright & blessed new world…

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Posted in Family Photography, Newborn Photography

Olivia | Lebanon Senior Class of 2025 | Cox Arboretum

Olivia is a senior at Lebanon High School and plans to be a teacher after graduation. We shot her senior session at Cox Arboretum. It was a bright and sunshiney day- felicitous for this brilliant blue-eyed belle, beaming with happy smiles.

Olivia, may your senior year be as merry as you are! Brimming with joy, laughter and delight…

One word to describe me is thoughtful.

I love nature, community, creativity and freedom.

Sometimes I take the longer way home because I enjoy being in my car, driving and listening to my music… with the windows down occasionally too 😉

I listen to lots of pop and a little country. Think Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter.

My creative thinking and problem solving combine to make the good skills in me but I struggle with lack of time management.

I like to design lots of things, make crafts, puzzles and games and also really incorporate my joy for working with technology and doing online projects.

If I had more free time, I enjoy realistic fiction in books and movies that have romance, drama, comedy, all the things are relatable, feel-good, and sometimes even sad, about life.

I’ve learned that priorities are the basis of all our actions.

For several years I was in band and played the flute. More recently, I have focused my interest on teaching and give a lot of time to my school’s Teacher Academy program, interning and learning what it takes to be a teacher.

I had such a good experience over the summer working with kids at YMCA camp. I also have done a lot of community service and tutoring.

I was surprised to learn how much the younger generation feels picked on by their peers.

I participated in an anti-bullying program at the elementary school and nearly all of the kids “stood on the line” because they felt that way.

I look up to my dad, who has been a constant figure in my life and is always doing everything for his kids.

He shows up no matter how busy. He wakes up with us every morning and takes care of us when we go to school. He drives us everywhere and is always ready to pick us up and ensure our safety.

Ever since I was little we were best buds and I’m his “number one” (first-born).

After graduation I plan on going to college and majoring in Math and/or Science Education.

I look forward to figuring out what age I want to teach within the next couple of months.

In ten years I see myself finally settled into my ideal teaching job, in the location I plan on living, and looking into expanding my housing.

I hope that once everything is set in stone, I can pursue my interest in STEM further, as well as start doing Graphic Design on the side.

Shoutout to Mama!!!

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Bush Family at the Creek | E. Milo Beck

Join me in welcoming the beautiful Bush bunch- Kylie, Ryan, Riley and Noah with special appearances from Grandma Diane! They are a military family who recently arrived from Florida. They have been in the Dayton area for a little over a year. When Kylie found me on Google, she told me that she loved the way I captured the Mamas in my family sessions and the fact that I offered a military discount. Because the Bush’s are out-of-towners, they were wide open to location suggestions as long as fall leaves and a creek were involved.

I suggested my hometown favorite, E. Milo Beck Park. Although it can be a bit longer of a hike to the creek, I knew the tall grass fields on the way would provide ample opportunities for spontaneous games of tag, big brother piggy-back rides and lots of hand holding. As I led them through the tiny wooded trail and down the craggy cliff to the cold water creek, Grandma Diane, wisely hanging back in the tall woods, cheered the kids on below as they braved the slippery rocks. It was their first time creekin’!

I feel honored to have been the one to capture such an “Ohio” milestone for the Bush crew, and I hope to capture many more Midwest milestones during their relatively short time here…

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Nawrocki Bartling Family | At Home | Springboro, Ohio

When Christina messaged me on instagram about getting family pictures taken at their old farmhouse, I was excited. Family sessions at home are my absolute favorite- especially dog families! When I mapped their address on the day of the session, I had to laugh. We live only three minutes away from each other! The nosy neighbor in me was defintely curious to meet the family who lived in this unique property with the majestic weeping willow I admired as I drove past almost daily.

As you can see in this long post full of smiles, scrabble, swings & trampolines, we had no trouble getting to know one another…

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Katelyn | Miami Valley Senior Class of 2025 | Smith Gardens

This was my second time capturing Katelyn. Her mom, Lisa, found me a few years ago when she was looking for someone to photograph Katelyn’s sweet sixteen milestone. We all instantly connected- both on and off camera. So I was thrilled to work with them again this fall for Katelyn’s senior pictures and even more excited when I saw Grandma had joined them for the session. The more generations of amazing women I get to meet, the better!!!

We shot Katelyn’s senior session at what is usually a hidden gem, Smith Gardens. It was homecoming night, however, so we had to share the tiny garden with swarms of pretty girls in short dresses paired with nervous boys doing their best to smile for doting moms with cameras. We weaved our way through the giggling crowds and found solace in the shadows underneath the gabled garden patio. We took time to stop and smell the flowers, reflected in the blue waters of the Koi pond and most importantly, made sure to grab a few snapshots with mom and grandma.

Katelyn, I hope you have a wonderful senior year making joy & grace-filled memories that can carry you through a lifetime.

One word to describe me is resilient.

I’m a competitive swimmer and train year round. I run cross country in the fall and I’m also a part of Green Club at my school.

I’ve learned that it’s really important to take a moment for yourself.

I listen to a bit of everything: Country, Pop, and R&B. People are sometimes surprised by my diverse music taste ranging from the 80’s with my grandma to Drake, Zach Bryan, and Taylor Swift with my friends.

I’m so lucky to be able to attend Miami Valley School, which has prepared me well for the outside world and workforce later on in life. They’ve given me the opportunity and the tools to really do anything I want in life.

The sky’s the limit.

I’ve learned that I’m better at managing change than I thought I was.

I look up to my mom because she is one of the hardest-working people I know. She’s always there for me and gives the best advice. She always knows what’s best and puts thought and care into everything she does. I also look up to my dad because he’s been faced with a lot of challenges in his life and always perseveres through them. Finally, I’ve always been close with my grandma and appreciate her positivity and optimistic outlook on life.

After graduation I plan to pursue Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.

In ten years I see myself working in a hospital as a Biomedical Engineer inventing technology to help others.

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